Class Notes
Giving List

Spring 2013

Dear Good 1998 Alumni,

Did you know we graduated from college fifteen years ago? And our fifteen-year reunion will be at Luther Oct. 4-6, 2013? I just perused the happening, which will be occurring on campus. There will be chapel services, a dedication of the new aquatic center, jazz, choral, band and orchestra concerts, alumni sports events, a football game, the parade, and rock climbing.  More details about our reunion will be sent early this summer.

I’ve attended both our five- and ten-year reunions. While I was quite excited to see some of my best and lifelong friends, some of my favorite memories of those reunions were catching up with classmates I did not know as well―folks living all over the country doing many interesting things. And nothing makes me happier than running on the trails near Dunning’s Spring and Twin Springs. 

So after you read this letter, I do believe you should make a quick call to find housing for the weekend, find your camping supplies, or call relatives nearby. I promise it will be a weekend of reminiscing, taking in the beauty of Decorah, and reconnecting with all things that make Luther great. 

That said, we welcome and love any old photos, song requests, and thoughts for the reunion. Feel free to e-mail me at sarahjklightner@gmail.com or find me on Facebook.  Also, I created a Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/578697148808600/, or search Facebook for “Luther College Class of 1998 15 Year Reunion.”

Go Norse!

With love,

Sarah (Kipling) Lightner
sarah.jklightner@gmail.com

Kyra (Rusch) McCool
kyra.r.mccool@gmail.com

And here’s a quick story from Kyra!

Hi Class of 1998! Just wanted to share that for the first time in 15 years, I had a chance to speak Norwegian! A little boy from Norway started in our daughter’s Pre-K class this January. I was actually able to conjure, “Jeg snakker litt Norsk...” when introducing myself to the mother. (Thank you, Harley Refsal!) I’ve had a fun little trip down memory lane trying to teach our daughter a few Norwegian phrases to say to her new peer. 

Class Notes
JON STROMMEN CAMPBELL is the choral director at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Minn.

AMANDA (DREWS) DEACY is a psychologist and assistant professor at Children’s Mercy Hospital and Clinics in Kansas City, Mo.

MEGAN McCall SANDE ‘99 and AARON SANDE live in Eden Prairie, Minn. Aaron is a business analyst for Long Term Care Group.

MAGNUS HELLMARK, a former Luther golfer, organized a golf team reunion tournament for alumni and current players on the Sunday following Nordic Fest. This was the 1^st Norse Classic Golf Tournament, and Hellmark hopes to grow this event next year with more former Norse golfers who can return and play at Oneota Golf and Country Club. There are also hopes of a women’s tournament in the future. Contact Magnus Hellmark at magnus_hellmark@hotmail.com if you are interested in participating next year.

Marriages
REBECCA JOHNSON and Antonio McClinon, Aug. 17, 2012
KAT SHANER and Jonathan Miller, Aug. 25, 2012
ANDREA WHITE and Roberto Marinas, Aug. 18, 2012

Births
ERIKA (CONKEL) and Randy Henkes welcomed a daughter, Elizabeth, in May 2012.  Elizabeth joins brothers Brody and Jax

AMANDA (DREWS) and Bennett Deacy welcomed son, Marshall, in November 2012.

Amanda and JAY KAUTT welcomed a daughter, Audrey, in March 2012. 

Don't forget your Annual Fund giving!
Each year nearly 9,000 alumni, parents, and friends support the Annual Fund with gifts from $5 to $50,000. Strong support from alumni helps Luther secure additional funds from foundations and corporations, and your gift each year helps us reach our goal of 27% alumni giving.  Here’s how your class—and surrounding classes—did in 2012: